Kitchens open to the living room have become one of the most sought-after trends in interior and home design. This type of layout combines aesthetics and functionality, creating a modern, bright space that is perfect for social life at home.
At ROBEYAN, kitchen specialists in Cantabria, we develop personalised projects that make the most of the advantages of this approach, always with first-class materials and brands.
Advantages of kitchens open to the living room
Choosing a kitchen open to the living room brings visual spaciousness and more natural light, transforming the way spaces are perceived. The kitchen becomes a more pleasant space, connected to the rest of the home and full of light.
At the same time, it encourages social connection, since whoever is cooking shares the moment with family and guests instead of being cut off. This concept reflects today's lifestyle: the kitchen stops being an isolated room and becomes the heart of the home, with a contemporary design that improves functionality.
Ways to separate the kitchen from the living room
To keep flexibility without losing light, you can choose floor-to-ceiling glass partitions with minimalist lacquered steel or aluminium frames. Clear, smoked or fluted glass finishes add privacy without darkening the space, and recessed tracks ensure a smooth, elegant slide.
Other common options are pocket sliding doors, large-format pivot systems or folding glass solutions when a wider opening is needed. If you want to “zone” without closing off completely, a low unit with a bar or an open shelving unit between the kitchen and living room provides a visual transition without losing the feeling of space.
The importance of integrated appliances
In an open kitchen, aesthetics and technology must go hand in hand. Integrated appliances keep the furniture's lines continuous, prioritising elements such as integrated fridges, freezers/fridge-freezers and dishwashers, which allow complete uniformity. Thanks to these panel-ready systems, the furniture keeps a clean, uninterrupted look.
Leading brands such as Miele, BORA or Pando offer specific solutions in this field, with fully integrated fridges and dishwashers, concealed extractors and hobs with extractors. In this way, the kitchen gains not only in design but also in efficiency and comfort, creating a sophisticated setting that fits spaces open to the living room perfectly.
The island as the social heart
The island often becomes the centre of the open kitchen. Its versatility means it can work as a work surface, a breakfast area or a meeting point with family and friends at any time of day.
Beyond its functionality, the island has great aesthetic value as the centrepiece of the space. In our kitchen projects in Cantabria, we take care of proportions, storage and lighting so that the island is practical and a perfect place to spend time together.
Extraction systems for open kitchens
In open kitchens, extraction must be effective and discreet to keep the space in harmony. When the cooking area is on an island or peninsula, the most common solutions are hobs with an integrated extractor, where BORA, Miele and Pando set the trend. Ceiling extractors, fitted flush for a minimalist finish, and downdraft systems, which rise from the worktop only while cooking and then disappear, are also common.
If the cooking area is on a run of units, the most practical option is an extractor integrated into the wall unit, available in the Miele and Pando collections. These stay completely hidden when not in use, keeping the furniture continuous and offering a discreet look without giving up extraction power.
Adding value to your home with an open kitchen
Beyond aesthetics, an open kitchen is a long-term investment. This type of layout is perceived as modern, functional and suited to new lifestyles, which makes it an added value for any home.
In the property market, open kitchens with quality finishes, good extraction and integrated appliances are more attractive. In Cantabria, this type of design often becomes a decisive factor that shortens selling times and increases the value of the property.
Frequently asked questions
Which extraction systems work best in an open kitchen?
The most effective are ceiling extractors, hobs with an integrated extractor and downdraft systems. On the market, Pando, BORA and Miele offer advanced solutions in these categories.
Which appliances should definitely be integrated?
To keep visual continuity, fridges, freezers or fridge-freezers and dishwashers are the priority, as they are built into the furniture and hidden behind the kitchen fronts.
Ovens and microwaves, on the other hand, are usually installed in view for ventilation and ergonomic reasons, but today, thanks to the design and finishes of the leading brands, they blend perfectly into the whole and even add aesthetic value to the space.
Is an open kitchen less functional than a closed one?
No, as long as it is planned with care. A good design must consider the work triangle, proper extraction, easy-to-clean materials and furniture with smart storage.
Is it useful to be able to visually separate the kitchen and living room?
Yes. Systems such as sliding doors, glass partitions or retractable panels add flexibility. They let you enjoy the spaciousness of an open kitchen while having privacy when you need it.
